Tourism programmes

Whether you run a local attraction or manage a nationwide business that delivers thrills and excitement to thousands of customers a month, the people you employ will make a big difference to your success.

Unlike many businesses, you’re entertaining and caring for your customers from start to finish, whether it’s for just a few hours or for weeks.

Your staff have to be on the ball and trained to react well to any situation, keeping customers happy. That takes dedication, the right attitude and good skills and knowledge gained through training.

Tourism job roles include general manager, duty manager, owner/operator, tour manager, tour guide, counter and service staff, and driver plus, of course, all the roles involved in the hospitality and retail sides of your business.

Choose the right programme for you

ServiceIQ’s programmes take between six months to two years to complete. Employees learn at their own pace and training mostly takes place in the workplace.

Getting started in tourism

Great businesses get the basics right. Make sure you get your entry-level employees up to speed with the essentials of excellent customer service. The Visitor Savvy Award is ideal initial training for the tourism industry.

It is easily delivered to your employees, on the job, and at a pace that works for your business, and it's available in print or online. Your employees will be upskilled in: great customer service, standard operating procedures, and health and safety.

Essential tourism skills – Visitor Experience

Give your employees skills and knowledge they need to provide a great visitor experience and help you build an even more successful tourism business. Ideal for new recruits as well as experienced staff. Your people will be assessed according to high standards in customer service, communication, health, safety and security practices, Māori language and customs and more. There is also a special unit standard for businesses who offer a wine, artisan food or craft beer tasting experience to local and international visitors. On completion, your employees will gain the nationally recognised New Zealand Certificate in Tourism (Visitor Experience) – Level 3.

Visitor centre skills and tourism knowledge

Visitor information centres are often the first stop for tourists exploring a region. The New Zealand Certificate in Tourism with Operations and Visitor Information Endorsements – Level 4 gives staff the knowledge to help visitors enjoy a great experience, and the necessary business skills: from tourism knowledge, i-SITE systems and processes, relevant legislation, administration and sales, teamwork, social media, promotion and much more.

Awarding experienced tour guides

Reward your experienced guides with a nationally recognised qualification, and give them the skills and knowledge to take their career to the next level. The Award in Tour Guiding is a Limited Credit programme specially designed for tour guides with a minimum of two years’ experience.

Professional tourism skills and leadership

Build a professional tourism business as a world-class host with excellent visitor experience. Ideal for experienced employees ready to take their career to the next level. They’ll learn the best practice standards and knowledge for: guided interpretation, tour group leadership, guiding adventure tourism activities, industry workplace practices, legal requirements, environmental responsibilities and much more. On completion, they will gain the New Zealand Certificate in Tour Guiding – Level 4 qualification.